Pocket-friendly style statement

Not everybody is big on affordable fashion and street shopping. But with a tight budget, college students have no other option. At college, everybody wants to dress stylishly and make a fashion statement. So how do these fashionistas look so glam, despite a tight budget? Where do they shop from? We talk to a few of them and find out.

Looking fashionable and stylish isn’t easy when you have a limited budget. But students still seem to make it work! “The most affordable place for any college student to shop in Bengaluru, is Commercial Street,” says Pankti Motwani, a student of fashion.

“I’m a frequent visitor to the place. Trendy accessories like ear-rings and bracelets are available from Rs 50 onwards. The gallis of commercial streets are well known for their shoes. Ethnic juttis and kohlapuris that are found at Shirdi Footwear start from as low as Rs 200 and can be paired with almost everything! Naughtee, is another small boutique on the street that is popular among college students for their imported and fashionable garments that start at '500 only” says the student.

While Commercial Street is forever crowded, college goers have found more quaint and affordable places too. “Dubai Plaza is an ordinary looking building on Rest House Road. Once you enter you will be surrounded by small boutiques  that sell everything from phone covers to coloured socks. The place is mainly known for their scarves, quirky belts, and excellent quality handbags that start from '600 and last for almost a year! Bargaining is difficult here as the vendors are equally  stubborn, but the prices are reasonable,” says Shalini Choudhary, a commerce student.

People who don’t have easy access to these places need not worry. There are a multiple locations on the other side of town, for fashionistas! “The 4th block BDA complex in Jayanagar is one of the most affordable places for college students. There are several small shops  that sell trendy clothes  starting from '400 only and they cater to all sizes which is also very rare. I The highest I have paid for an outfit from the complex is Rs 1500, which is the minimum price at any big store at a mall. Some of the trendiest shoes can also be found at shops around the complex and start at Rs 300” says Yasmin, a student.     

While some prefer to spend a small amount at short intervals, for others, saving and then splurging is the way to go. “I  save up for a few months and splurge during sales at malls because they can guarantee quality. Since I have a very limited budget, I can’t shop too often ,” says Aparajita Sahay, a humanities student.